The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) James M. Kidd (ASN: 0-518277), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Battery A, 863d Field Artillery Battalion, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 3 March 1945, in the vicinity of Gudlingen, Germany. Under terrific enemy artillery and small arms fire, Lieutenant Kidd led his forward observation party in a manner that made his largely responsible for the success of supporting the infantry company. At times Lieutenant Kidd adjusted his own artillery fire within seventy-five yards of himself in order to pin down enemy personnel and enable his own infantry to advance. Never relaxing, he constantly braved the enemy fire and, though wounded, exposed himself to give aid to his radio operator. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.